Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Organizational Leadership Practice Test

In which situation would the avoiding conflict style be considered appropriate?

1. When both parties prioritize resolution.

2. When the conflict is trivial, and emotions are high.

3. When the issue is critical to organizational goals.

4. When maintaining a relationship is not a concern.

The correct answer is: When the conflict is trivial, and emotions are high.

The avoiding conflict style is considered appropriate in situations where the conflict is trivial and emotions are high. This approach allows individuals to step back from an escalating situation that may not be worth the investment of time and energy. In such scenarios, choosing to avoid conflict can help prevent further emotional turmoil that could arise from a confrontation, thus allowing all parties to cool off and perhaps return to the issue later with a clearer perspective. It acknowledges that engaging in a heated argument over a minor issue may not yield positive results and that it might be more beneficial to let the matter slide temporarily, especially if the stakes of the conflict are low. In contrast, when both parties prioritize resolution, it indicates that there is a mutual interest in addressing the conflict directly, making avoidance less suitable. Additionally, if the issue is critical to organizational goals, addressing the conflict could lead to better outcomes and necessary collaboration. When maintaining a relationship is not a concern, it may also be more appropriate to engage directly with the conflict rather than avoid it, as the consequences of the conflict may not carry significant relational weight.